Saab Receives Steady State Support Order For South African Gripen

GripenGripen South AfricaPress release

19 December 2013

Defence and security company Saab receives steady state support contract for South African Gripen. The order has a total value of SEK 180 million over the years 2013-2016. The South African Air Force has been operating the Gripen fighter system since 2008 when the first Gripen was delivered.

The operations of the Gripen fighter system in South Africa have previously been supported by Saab through short-term interim support contracts.The steady state support contract that is now signed between Saab and Armscor enables Saab to conduct support operations in a sustainable manner with a long-term horizon, with high efficiency and availability.

Through the steady state support contract typical support services like engineering support, maintenance, repair and overhaul and spares replenishment will be carried out. The contract also includes technical publications amendment services. The total value of the contract is SEK 180 million over the years 2013-2016.

"Signing of the steady state support contract marks the start of a deeper and extended relationship between Saab, Armscor and the South African Air Force. The Gripen operation climbs out of testing and delivery phase with ad hoc, short-term support efforts into a real sustained South African Fighting Force, constantly ready and supported by Saab,” says Magnus Lewis-Olsson, head of Saab’s market area Sub-Saharan Africa.

Saab serves the global market with world-leading products, services and solutions ranging from military defence to civil security. Saab has operations and employees on all continents and constantly develops, adopts and improves new technology to meet customers’ changing needs.

Defense and security company Saab is exploring the potential for the recently announced Gripen Aggressor, to meet the needs of the United States Air Force (USAF) for Adversary Air (ADAIR) combat training.